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This scientific independent research is provided by Aisle7 and is for informational use only. GNC provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. Likewise, Aisle7 does not recommend or endorse any specific products.

Energy Bars-A Weight-Loss Secret Weapon

Whether part of a planned program or eaten on the fly, bars bridge the hunger gap and boost your energy. When you're working on your waistline, today's bars can support your weight-loss efforts, especially when fresh food and refrigeration aren't in easy reach. And when you're in a rush, munching on an energy bar is one of the best stop-gap measures for those sudden "I'm ravenous" moments. Downing a healthy bar can even prevent a "roadside attraction" binge of fries, shakes, or convenience-store goodies like high-calorie, high-fat chips and cookies. In other words, energy bars can be a helpful tool in your diet plan.

Put your hunger behind bars

First, you need to decide whether your bar will be a snack or part of a meal. "If it's a snack, the bars should have less than 180 calories," advises Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, the national media spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association in Chicago. "If it's a meal, the bar should be more than 200 calories and needs to be eaten with fruit and vegetables to satisfy you for four or more hours till you eat again."

In fact, substituting an energy bar-paired with an apple or veggie salad-for one meal each day can help you lose weight. "By adding fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber and water, you'll feel more full," says Blatner. "This can help accelerate weight loss." If your goal is to drop a few pounds, Blatner says you need to read the nutrient label to make sure your meal-replacing bar contains:

at least 200 calories

3 grams or less saturated fat

3 grams or more fiber (to help you feel full)

at least 10 grams of protein (to help tide you over till your next meal)

Indulge in your favorite flavors

As a general rule, look for bars with the least sugar and the most fiber (in other words, "good carbs") or protein (whatever your preference) to avoid the crash that comes from eating bars that are more like candy disguised in "natural" packaging.

"After you've read the label, it all boils down to personal preference," says Blatner. Love dried berries? Go for a fruity bar. Granola, nut, or yogurt fan? Store shelves are stocked with bars for every discriminating taste. You can take your pick from grain- or yogurt-based, to nut- or fruit-dense bars.

Simply scan the ingredient list for the foods or flavors you fancy and cross-check it with the label's nutrition facts to ensure it fits with your diet goals.

Pick the best bar for the job

As the seemingly endless choices will attest, you can find a bar to fit your evolving healthy lifestyle needs. Lifting weights? Try a high-protein bar favored by weight-trainers to help repair muscle. Love jogging, hiking, and biking? Look for high-carb bars preferred by the distance runners who crave instant energy.

If you're interested in eating fewer preservatives and getting the maximum nutrients from the foods you eat, you might like a raw energy bar. The tastes may vary widely but they are typically packed with robust ingredients such as nuts, nectar, berries, and ginger.

Enjoy!

Nancy Gottesman, a nutrition writer and mother in southern California, admits to needing way more energy than these bars can provide!

I had Weight Loss surgery and it is so difficult to find a yummy protein bar to help boost my protein intake. This is it!!! When I was watching my carbs closely I only in ate half but now that I added more carbs to my diet I eat one just about every day! So yummy:)

I tried one of these bars today, for the first time, and ABSOLUTELY loved it! I was so shocked! I usually hate these "protein" supplement products and find they are a complete waste of money. This, however, was a pleasure to eat, as my breakfast, while at work. I only purchased one . . . to give it a try. I am looking forward to buying more. They are delicious, with no nasty undertaste. I can't speak for the other flavors, but this chocolate-carmel "thing" is EXCELLENT! I look forward to trying some of the other Oh Yeah products.

I am on a 1700-2000 calorie diet and have still been decreasing my weight. In fact I was still able to lose 10 pounds in 2 Weeks. Whoever new a protein bar could be so good! I promise you it taste better than a snicker bar and I LOVE SNICKERS!

this is the healthy bar that taste like a regular candy bar. combining my workout with weight watchers this is a perfect meal replacement 8 points. just perfect to replace a meal or to calm down a sweet craving. it does not taste like the other almost plastic and pasty high protein bar.. 100% thumbs up.